§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current progress of the design and funding of the new class 323 electric multiple units designated for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority; and when he expects them to enter service.
§ Mr. FreemanI understand that 45 class 323 vehicles are on order for services sponsored by Greater Manchester passenger transport authority. These will be funded by British Rail and the cost recovered over time through S20 payments. In addition, the PTE has ordered, through British Rail, a further six vehicles for services to Manchester airport. The PTE is to fund 45 per cent. of the cost of these and British Rail the remainder. The PTE's contribution to the airport link project has been funded through capital allocations.
The manufacturers of these vehicles are making good progress in overcoming the technical problems that they have incurred. British Rail hopes to have the first vehicles in revenue-earning service, initially in the west midlands, at the end of September. Further vehicles will then enter service on a regular basis over the course of the following year.